Parents' perceptions of obtaining a diagnosis of childhood cancer can include experiences of disputes and delays
QUESTION: What are parents' experiences of obtaining a diagnosis of cancer in their children?
Parents of 20 children (age range 4–18 y) diagnosed with leukaemia, malignant solid tumour, or brain tumour, and who received treatment within the previous 4 months at a paediatric oncology unit. 4 families were of South Asian origin and the remaining families were white.
Semistructured interviews with one or both parents were held in their homes over a 7 month period. Interviews were open ended, but the interviewer used a prompt guide. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using the constant comparison method assisted by NUD*IST software. Theoretical saturation was reached by the 14th interview. Medical records were also analysed.
Parents were first alerted to their child's illness by a range of medical signs and symptoms, and by behavioural and affective cues. Parents identified 2 groups of signs and symptoms: those for which innocent explanations could be found (eg, viral …